In The Game

Luciano Vietto. Liverpool  have made in-demand Villarreal striker Luciano  Vietto  priority target this summer. More: Bleacher Report .

Liverpool v Man United When Liverpool lost 3-0 at Old Trafford in mid-December to leave them 10 points behind their fiercest rivals Manchester United, it appeared simply the continuation of a woeful start to the campaign for last season’s Premier League runners-up. Yet it was to prove the turning point in a phenomenal return to form that means they go into Sunday’s return match at Anfield with the chance to overhaul United in the standings and assume a place in the top-four for the first time this season. Under closer observation, a 3-0 scoreline at Old Trafford had failed to reflect what took place on the pitch. Manchester United had benefited from an extraordinary display by David de Gea, while some poor defending had cost Liverpool dear. The visitors had enjoyed more shots at goal and on target and there were signs of a return of the attacking verve that characterized their push for the title last season. Key to that improvement was Brendan Rodgers’ switch to three at t

Joe Allen: Liverpool class. Midfielder Joe Allen is showing the form that earned him a move to Liverpool, says former Swansea City team-mate Neil Taylor. Allen left the Swans for Liverpool in 2012 but his time at Anfield has been hampered by injuries. The 24-year-old played in his side's 1-0 win at Swansea and Taylor said: "I've always known he was a great player, we know in Wales what a good player he is. "He just needed to be fit. He's a key player and he's in great form." Taylor added: "He's had problems with injuries which he couldn't have helped, like when he got smashed in Andorra. Allen has just over two years left on his current Liverpool deal but revealed he has opened talks with the club. Read more: BBC Sport .